Commissioners deliver senior update

August 8, 2013

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - Belmont County commissioners answered questions from the public during Wednesday's board meeting.

Pease Township Trustee Michael Bianconi noted that last August, the senior services management staff gave a report on their ongoing projects including meals, transportation and other routines. He suggested another presentation in the interest of informing the public and commissioners.

Commissioner Ginny Favede replied that 17 employees have been lost due to layoffs in December. Also, they unexpectedly switched to Chase Banking.

"They are drowning out there, and they are drowning trying to take care of people to keep them from falling through the safety net, so I cannot ask 12 people to come in here and give a two-hour report right now," she said. "Right now everything is fine. Right now the priority is trying to allow those people to continue to struggle to offer the services that they offer as far as Job and Family Services are concerned."

She added that this is one of the problems that come from one department tasked with excessive services. She noted that the department is within budget, the seniors have been provided for, and compiled information has been given to Bianconi.

In answer to another question, commissioners said the training for the new DJFS director would be assisted by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the managers.

Commissioners motioned to contract with Lash Paving, Inc., on behalf of the county engineer in the amount of $690,395.48 for the resurfacing of various county highways.

Commissioners motioned to adopt a resolution authorizing Commissioner Charles R. Probst, Jr. to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and/or local transportation improvement programs and to execute contracts as required for a bridge replacement project and North 26 road paving.

Favede was authorized to sign a Workforce Investment Act Area 16 invoice for $15,159.59 to be sent to the Ohio DJFS in accordance with the memorandum of understanding in place for July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013. This represents the fourth quarter billing for the representatives from ODJFS that are housed at the one-stops in Belmont and Jefferson Counties for Veterans Services and in all four counties for employment services.

Commissioners approved a certificate of county-wide cost allocation plan for Maximus Consulting Services, Inc. for the year ending Dec. 31, 2012. Belmont County contracts with Maximus to prepare the cost allocation plan which establishes the allowable costs that can be charged back to departments with funding sources outside the general fund.

Favede was authorized to sign for enrollment in the Workers' Compensation Group Retrospective Rating Program.

The clerk was authorized to establish a date and time for a subdivision hearing regarding the plat of Ross Estate, Second Addition, Richland Township, and proceed with required notifications.

Commissioners motioned to approve a contract between DJFS and Rebecca Stafko, consultant, for fiscal services relative to the Workforce Investment Act Area 16, effective Sept. 1, 2013-Dec. 31, 2014 in an amount not to exceed $49,969 and further authorize Favede to sign on behalf of DJFS.